Tampa Bay

Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Tampa Bay with Kathryn Varn and Yacob Reyes.

Axios Tampa Bay

Standard

Axios Tampa Bay Deep Dive

Deep Dive

A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Axios Tampa Bay Weekender

Weekender

Axios Tampa Bay Partners

Axios Tampa Bay Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Tampa Members

Membership

Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre

Things to Do

Celebrate the start of a new month with these events in and around St. Pete.🧘 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yoga on the Pitch: Rowdies Recharge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" data-vars-content-id="fb98ca07-6e3f-418b-a7db-fd08a08b0d57" data-vars-headline="Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" target="_blank">Yoga on the Pitch: Rowdies Recharge</a>, St. Pete: Start your Saturday with a yoga session on the field at Al Lang Stadium, followed by a social with mimosas, snacks and more<ul><li>Saturday, 8:30-10am at Al Lang Stadium. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" data-vars-content-id="fb98ca07-6e3f-418b-a7db-fd08a08b0d57" data-vars-headline="Pinellas weekend events: Taste of the Beaches, Largo Vibe Fest, Spookyzarre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gofevo.com/event/26Yoga" target="_blank">Tickets</a> start at $36.94 and include admission to Saturday night&#x27;s Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Miami FC match.</li></ul>

Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more

All eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

Politics

Tampa Bay&#x27;s largest cities and counties either lowered or maintained property tax rates, but homeowners could still see higher tax bills due to rising property values.Why it matters: Between Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising cost of living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" target="_self">rising cost of living</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" target="_self">state</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" target="_self">local</a> inquiries into city and county spending, and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential property tax overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">potential property tax overhaul</a> on the horizon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="due to Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">due to Amendment 3</a>, all eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

What to know about the Rays' playoff series against the Yankees

New York is a tough draw, even with Tampa Bay hosting at the Trop.

Sports

The Rays face their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees, in a divisional round playoff series that kicks off Saturday.Why it matters: The Rays entered the postseason with the American League&#x27;s best record, but New York is a tough draw, even with Tampa Bay hosting at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Trop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/04/tropicana-field-nostalgia-rays-stadium-giveaway" data-vars-content-id="05a899b3-f8b4-4c34-ac07-50aab7768ee8" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Rays&#x27; playoff series against the Yankees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/04/tropicana-field-nostalgia-rays-stadium-giveaway" target="_self">the Trop</a>.<ul><li>The Yankees have a star-studded roster and, as always, a lot of hype. Tampa Bay (also as always) is the small-market team that punches well above its weight.</li></ul>

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a "Chief Vibes Officer." We have a few more ideas

Living where you vacation isn't all sunsets and Michelin stars.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" data-vars-content-id="3351f766-fb7d-4b1b-abf2-c337f31ab30c" data-vars-headline="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a &quot;Chief Vibes Officer.&quot; We have a few more ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" target="_self">Visit St. Pete-Clearwater</a> leaders announced last week they were recruiting three positions with dream-job titles.State of play: The Chief Vibes Officer, Chief Flavor Explorer and Chief Sunset Curator will help draw attention to Pinellas&#x27; assets beyond the world-famous beaches, per a news release.

Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for "AI slop"

Small businesses say AI saves time and money. Critics say the generic images come at a cost.

News

It&#x27;s a debate so prolific that even our unusually vocal airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weighed in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/FlyTPA/posts/pfbid02ueoedz83x5jVKmKZeQ32vBTMgHzAep1AgcNiAkDLQHUQmo71eWrE7BLbirE6pFRdl" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyTPA/posts/pfbid02ueoedz83x5jVKmKZeQ32vBTMgHzAep1AgcNiAkDLQHUQmo71eWrE7BLbirE6pFRdl" target="_blank">weighed in</a>: What do we do about the AI flyers?Why it matters: From local breweries and markets to your friendly neighborhood landscaper, posters made with generative AI are clogging up social media.<ul><li>And <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the backlash is real" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/generative-ai-accusations-hank-green-jerry-falade" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/generative-ai-accusations-hank-green-jerry-falade" target="_self">the backlash is real</a>: in comment sections, in Reddit threads, and in the feeds of other organizations that broadcast — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="using more primitive methods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEuXOjFrvE/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="1aea7e87-8bd7-4518-8260-a6410bae4b15" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for &quot;AI slop&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEuXOjFrvE/?img_index=1" target="_blank">using more primitive methods</a> — that they&#x27;ll never resort to AI images.</li></ul>

12 new restaurants open or coming soon to Tampa Bay

From fine dining to cheesesteaks and soul food, the restaurant scene is getting a refresh.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/30/tampa-st-pete-restaurant-closures-summer-2026" data-vars-content-id="030ce0b4-feb5-4f13-b740-25a270614d27" data-vars-headline="12 new restaurants open or coming soon to Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/30/tampa-st-pete-restaurant-closures-summer-2026" target="_self">Tampa Bay&#x27;s dining scene</a> is always evolving. Why it matters: As we head into fall, new concepts are entering the market, old favorites are reinventing themselves, and sleepy downtowns are seeing some food-and-bev action.

What's going up in Tampa: 3-D printed homes, mixed-use galore

Here's the latest development news, in and around Tampa.

Business

Here&#x27;s the latest development news, in and around Tampa.

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market

But it won't reverse the last several years of skyrocketing premiums.

A below-average forecast for the Atlantic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hurricane season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/21/atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast-2026-noaa-preparation-el-nino" target="_self">hurricane season</a> that begins Monday was welcome news to more than just storm-weary Floridians.Why it matters: Hope for a quiet season, plus legislative reforms and no storm hits last year, have home insurance experts cautiously optimistic about the stability of the market, the News Service of Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" data-vars-content-id="8697092d-21a7-469e-8671-14071b0a510f" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/real-estate/2026/05/28/property-insurance-industry-hurricane-rates-prices-citizens/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says

This snag won't surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay.

Negotiations for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Rays stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="6d43969f-6218-42b6-afff-e7c109286066" data-vars-headline="Parking already plagues new Rays stadium, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/19/can-hillsboroughs-half-cent-tax-fund-a-new-rays-stadium-heres-what-we-know" target="_self">new Rays stadium</a> at Hillsborough College have hit a snag that won&#x27;t surprise anyone who has attended a game or concert in Tampa Bay: parking.Why it matters: The Tampa Sports Authority, which relies on the college&#x27;s lots for Buccaneers games, concerts and events, hasn&#x27;t received clarity from the Rays about how a new ballpark would disrupt that arrangement.

Delta's THC-infused seltzers offer a new way to vibe for any occasion

Delta Beverages is the no. 1 producer of THC-infused seltzers by volume in the U.S. — and Florida is Delta's largest market.

Partners

Delta&#x27;s THC-infused seltzers are delivering the vibe in Tampa without the alcohol and offering a zero-calorie way to raise a glass this season.Why it&#x27;s important: The U.S. drinking rate hit a new low this year, and more Americans than ever think moderate drinking is bad for their health.<ul><li>With a social season ahead, the party won&#x27;t wait — but THC-infused seltzers are letting people enjoy the social rituals they love without sacrificing the vibe (or their macros).</li></ul>

New Belk concept to open in Wesley Chapel

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.

A new take on an old department store is coming to Tampa Bay.Why it matters: The grand opening of the new Belk Market in Wesley Chapel gives local shoppers another option for apparel and home goods.

Shop local at these Tampa Bay holiday markets

They're the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping.

This gift-shopping season, here&#x27;s a pro tip: Visit a holiday market. Why it matters: Markets offer a chance to shop local, find unique gifts, and revel in the holiday spirit with neighbors.<ul><li>They&#x27;re the antithesis of the headache-inducing scroll that is online shopping. </li></ul>

A new era of growth for East Tampa

Fifth Third Bank's Neighborhood Program has catalyzed $28 million in investment in East Tampa since 2021.

Fifth Third Bank&#x27;s Neighborhood Program has brought more than $28 million of financial impact to East Tampa since 2021 — supporting small businesses, homeowners and neighborhood revitalization.Why it&#x27;s important: East Tampa&#x27;s history includes decades of disinvestment and discriminatory planning, leaving persistent gaps in housing access, business growth and income mobility.

It's hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa

Prices, rates and a housing shortage are keeping many young shoppers out of the market.

Millennials made up about 42% of mortgage purchase inquiries in the Tampa metro area last year, among the generation&#x27;s lowest shares nationwide.<ul><li>That&#x27;s down from about 46% in 2023, per a LendingTree analysis.</li></ul>Why it matters: High <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing</a> prices, near-6% mortgage rates and a shortage of affordable homes are keeping many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="59127c63-c798-4400-821d-02d75df8d175" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s hard to be a Millennial homebuyer in Tampa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">shoppers</a>, especially younger people, out of the market.

Business 🏦

Mapped: Florida's next data centers — and the power they'll need

Tampa Bay businesses are getting called out for "AI slop"

12 new restaurants open or coming soon to Tampa Bay

What's going up in Tampa: 3-D printed homes, mixed-use galore

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market